Dear John, I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the recently passed House Republican budget, which prioritizes substantial tax cuts for the wealthy while imposing severe reductions on essential programs that support our most vulnerable citizens. This budget, narrowly approved by a 217-215 vote, proposes $4.5 trillion in tax cuts over the next decade, disproportionately benefiting high-income individuals and large corporations. To offset these cuts, it mandates at least $2 trillion in spending reductions, adversely affecting low- and middle-income families, including many in Illinois's 7th Congressional District.Favoring the Wealthy at the Expense of the ManyBudgets are moral documents, and this one makes it painfully clear that working families, seniors, and the most vulnerable members of our society are not a priority. This budget not only strips away necessary resources but also exacerbates social and economic inequities by directly attacking the social determinants of health—factors like healthcare access, education, economic stability, housing, and community support that determine well-being.Severe Impact on the 7th District and the NationThe proposed budget includes:$880 billion in Medicaid cuts over the next decade, jeopardizing healthcare access for nearly 80 million Americans, including thousands in our district. These cuts disproportionately impact low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, worsening health disparities and increasing preventable hospitalizations. citeturn0search1$330 billion in cuts to education and workforce development, potentially affecting federal funding for public education, Pell Grants, and job training programs. These reductions could lead to larger class sizes, decreased access to higher education for low-income students, and diminished support for workforce development initiatives, hindering economic mobility and widening income inequality. citeturn0search5$230 billion in cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), increasing food insecurity, particularly among children and seniors. In Illinois, nearly 1.8 million residents rely on SNAP benefits to meet their nutritional needs. citeturn0search2Significant cuts to affordable housing programs, with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) facing potential staff reductions of up to 50%, affecting critical services such as rental assistance and homelessness support. These cuts threaten housing stability for low-income families, potentially increasing homelessness and housing insecurity in our community. citeturn0search18Elimination of the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program, which has provided $1.1 billion since 2016 to fund over 8,200 law enforcement positions. Additionally, the budget includes a $1.3 billion cut to the Department of Justice, potentially reducing federal agents, analysts, and prosecutors, weakening efforts to combat crime and national security threats. citeturn0search7Funding cuts to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), threatening critical programs addressing mental health and addiction crises, disproportionately impacting communities of color. The anticipated decrease in funding could severely limit access to essential mental health services. citeturn0search2$20 billion reduction in IRS funding, diminishing tax enforcement against wealthy evaders and leading to an estimated $44 billion revenue loss, increasing the deficit by $24 billion. This cut also results in 7,000 IRS layoffs, weakening tax compliance efforts. citeturn0search11A 5% cut to the Small Business Administration (SBA), eliminating vital technical-assistance grants. Additionally, if the 2017 tax cuts expire, 6 million jobs could be lost, severely impacting small businesses and economic growth. citeturn0search3A Call for a Just and Equitable BudgetI urge the U.S. Senate to reject this inequitable budget and instead pass legislation that invests in health, education, housing, and economic opportunity rather than providing disproportionate benefits to the wealthy at the expense of essential services. We must adopt a budget that reflects our collective values—one that uplifts all Americans and fosters equitable growth. I remain committed to advocating for policies that ensure no one is left behind. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. Sincerely, U. S. Representative Danny K. Davis7th Congressional District